The e-bike rush is turning into a race to catch up with European countries in terms of clean transportation. E-bike manufacturers have their work cut out to meet the growing demand. The demand is so strong that there is a shortage for the purchase of an electric bike, the websites have no more stock and are out of stock as well as the stores which are no longer able to honor orders, people line up in front of the stores.
Why are the French buying more and more electrically assisted mountain bikes (VTTAE)?
Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular because they offer a practical alternative and economical to cars to get around town. Many people have bought an electric bicycle in order to reduce their carbon footprintbecause these bikes are powered by a battery at the petrol place. While the cars pollute the air and consume a lot of energy, that gas stations are running out of fuel, electric bikes are all the rage, their advantage: they are quiet, economical and do not produce greenhouse gases. Cyclists can enjoy nature and breathe cleaner air.
With the price of fuels which constantly increasing, people are looking for cheaper ways to get around. Electric bikes are a great option, because they cost next to nothing to use. A person can travel 20 kilometers without consume gasoline. Cyclists can also save on parking by guarantor for free in spaces reserved for bicycles.
More and more cities put put in place infrastructure to promote soft travel, such as cycle paths and pedestrian areas. This makes city trips more pleasant and less stressful for cyclists. Also, it allows people to get around without taking their car, which helps reduce air pollution.
A race to catch up with European countries
France has always been behind European countries when it comes to electric bikes. According to a study by the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB), only 2% of French people own an electric bicycle, compared to 25% of Germans and 35% of Dutch.
However, electric bikes are more and more popular with the French. Sales quadrupled between 2016 and 2017, from 16,000 to 65,000 units. But this still represents less than 1% of the overall bicycle market, while leading European countries such as Germany and Belgium have exceeded the 10% threshold.
The primary reason of the French delay is the lack of infrastructure adapted. In Germany, there are already 7,500 charging stations for electric bicycles, compared to only 200 in France. In addition, the financial aid granted by the State to individuals was until then much less advantageous than in the past. UK or in Germany.
But it looks like the French government is waking up to the potential of e-bikes. In January 2018, Emmanuel Macron had announced its intention to develop this sector so that the France can catch up lagging behind its European neighbours.
What is the bonus amount for an electric bike?
The French government offers an ecological bonus for the purchase of an electrically assisted bicycle, here is a table of bonus amounts and conditions:
| Bonus amount | Conditions |
|---|---|
| 400 € | Individual with a reference tax income per unit equal to or less than €6,300 or a person with a disability |
| 300 € | Individual with a reference tax income per unit equal to or less than €13,489 |
To be entitled to the ecological bonus, you must submit your request on the primealaconversion.gouv.fr website within 6 months of the invoice date for your bike.
What are the conditions for benefiting from the electrically assisted bicycle bonus?
The following people are eligible:
- Adults, domiciled in France with a reference tax income per unit less than or equal to €13,489
- People with disabilities holding proof of their situation.
E-bike makers have their work cut out for them
E-bike manufacturers have their work cut out for them as demand is on the rise and there are plenty of competitors.
To meet growing demand, manufacturers need to invest in new technologies and improve their production. This involves significant costs and a increased competition.
Additionally, they need to stand out in the e-bike market, which is in full expansion. For this, they must offer superior and innovative products.
Finally, e-bike manufacturers have their work cut out because they have to convince consumers of the usefulness and benefits of e-bikes. For this, they can highlight its practical, ecological and economical side.
Electric bikes are a convenient wayeconomical and ecological to move, and their popularity is growing.
